Innovative Contactless Radar Sensor Detects Irregular Heart Rhythms

A groundbreaking contactless detection system utilizing radio wave technology combined with artificial intelligence has been introduced for identifying atrial fibrillation (AF), a common and potentially serious heart arrhythmia. Published recently in Nature Communications, this system offers a promising alternative to traditional diagnostic methods like electrocardiograms (ECGs). Unlike standard procedures, which require direct contact and are typically performed during symptomatic episodes or routine check-ups, this new approach passively records the mechanical motion of the heart through radar signals. The collected data are then analyzed by a neural network model trained with knowledge transferred from ECG diagnostics, enabling accurate recognition of abnormal rhythms.

Research led by Yan Chen and colleagues involved testing the system on a dataset of 6,258 outpatient cases, including 229 individuals diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, during standard 30-second screenings. The results demonstrated that the radar-based technology achieved sensitivity and specificity levels comparable to traditional ECGs in detecting AF. Further evaluations during the daily sleep routines of 27 patients showed the system’s potential for continuous, real-world monitoring, highlighting its capability to detect the onset and presence of irregular heart rhythms.

While initially tested on subjects in stationary conditions, the findings suggest this technology could be adapted for practical daily use, facilitating early detection and proactive management of atrial fibrillation. This innovation could significantly enhance cardiovascular monitoring, providing more accessible and non-invasive options for patients worldwide.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-contactless-radar-sensor-irregular-heart.html